“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Romans 8:27 (RSV)
Last weekend, I was an usher in the church service and after bringing the collection baskets to the safe, I saw Kevin, our staff person who usually sits at the visitor desk in the lobby of the church. He was on his cell phone and looked concerned, as a lady from church was standing in front of him.
The lady left her pew in a hurry to report that the woman sitting next to her felt like she was having a stroke. Kevin was on the phone with 911, and asked me to go sit with the lady until they arrived.
As I sat with her she was able to talk, and told me her name was Jenny, and that she drove herself to church alone and felt fine until five minutes ago, when she developed left sided weakness.
I put my arm around her telling her I was going to say a prayer for her before the paramedics arrive. Before I could pray, a paramedic was at my side, and motioned for me to get out of the pew. They quickly took Jenny in a carry chair and rushed her off to the nearby hospital.
I kind of felt bad that I never had the chance to pray for her, even though I did pray for her afterward. I might have been interrupted, but I now believe that in putting my arm around her with the full intention to pray for her, was equal to a prayer.
God knows our intentions, with or without our words or the touch of a shoulder or a hand, because He searches our hearts.
This scripture verse today couldn’t say it any better, just take a moment to meditate on what it is saying;
“And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Isn’t it good to know that the Spirit knows all our good intentions and intercedes for us ?
The Holy Spirit intercedes for all His people according to the will of God. When I touched Jenny with good intent, the Spirit already made intercession for her.
God is so good to send His Spirit to finish what we cannot finish with our words. The intent of our heart is known by God, because He has already searched our hearts.
If you’ve ever been hindered from praying in person for someone, due to distance or were too distressed to find the words to pray, or any other reason, know that the Spirit already acted on your behalf. We, who are God’s people by faith, are all connected by the same Spirit, who reads the intent of our hearts.
Jesus, thank you for sending the Advocate, your Holy Spirit to intercede for us, when we have a sincere intention in our heart, with or without words. Amen